Microsoft preps Windows Mobile 7, Zune phone

Microsoft is preparing Windows Mobile 7 for its official debut at the Mobile World Congress in March.

According to CNET, the Redmond-based company is still planning to finalize the code for the OS by summer, so that the new software can be loaded onto device that ship before the year’s end.

Microsoft is also working on a new consumer phone (Sidekick) line that will most likely run Windows Mobile 7.

“Although it is not a widely rumored ‘Zune Phone,’ the new consumer device is based on Windows Mobile and likely to be able to connect to Zune and other consumer services that Microsoft has been developing for some time now,” wrote CNET’s Ina Fried.

“That product, also due to arrive this year, should come earlier in the year ahead of Windows Mobile 7 devices.”

It should also be noted that Microsoft has promised developers attending the Mix 10 trade show that they will be able to obtain information on the Windows Mobile 7 programming environment.

“Yes, at MIX10 you’ll learn about developing applications and games for the next generation of Windows Phone,” Microsoft pledged on its Mix Web site on January 20. “Yes, we’ll have Phone sessions, and we can’t say more…yet.”